County bounce back

Warwickshire bounced back from their opening day defeat by North Midlands in the Tetley's National Under-20 Championship with a 26-3 win over Oxford University at Broadstreet's Ivor Preece Field ground.

Warwickshire bounced back from their opening day defeat by North Midlands in the Tetley's National Under-20 Championship with a 26-3 win over Oxford University at Broadstreet's Ivor Preece Field ground.

The home side fell behind to an early penalty but, with skipper Adam Bond returning at hooker, then produced a much-improved and cohesive display.

Barkers Butts prop Matt Wooldridge gave the Warwickshire side the lead which they built on with further tries from full-back Loz Reidy (Barkers Butts), scrum-half David Pritchard (Worcester) and replacement full-back Matt Wright (Broadstreet).

Fly-half Dan Richards (Barkers Butts) added two penalties.

North Midlands and Notts, Lincs and Derbyshire drew 19-19 in the other Midlands Group B game at Dudley Kingswinford

North Midlands now lead Group B on points difference from Notts, Lincs & Derbyshire, both with three league points.

Warwickshire are third with two points and Oxford University bottom of the group without a win.

The group winner, who will go forward to the national quarterfinals in April, will be decided on Sunday, March 2 when Oxford University entertain North Midlands at Iffley Road and Warwickshire take on the Three Counties at Broadstreet.